Jeremiah 6:1-5 – Do not test God’s patience

In Jeremiah 5, giving six reasons Jeremiah showed why God’s judgment on Judah was inevitable. As we come to chapter 6, Jeremiah proceeded to describe the coming judgment. In verses 1-5, he began by detailing the advancement of the enemy forces from the north.  The people of Benjamin were called to flee Jerusalem. Why were the sons of Benjamin specifically mentioned?” It’s because the main dwellers of Jerusalem were from the tribe of Benjamin. Besides, the Prophet Jeremiah himself was a Benjamite, hence he would have a bit more compassion for them. Hence, they were told to flee the city because the wicked enemy forces would be coming down from the north.

They were told to sound warning from Tekoa, and Beth-haccerem, both were cities in the south of Jerusalem. But why was warning needful to be sounded in the south of Jerusalem?  The point is that when the enemy forces invade, they would not stop at the north but would extend their invasion all the way to the south.  

 

In verse 2, Jerusalem had been described as a comely and dainty woman and not accustomed to lack. But she would soon become a helpless and deprived woman. Why? Because through the enemy forces, God would cut off all supplies to her. Furthermore, verse 3 said that Jerusalem would also become like pastureland to be grazed by sheep. Like shepherds, the invaders would pitch their tents around her, and like a flock of sheep, they would completely devour the pasture in the land. Verses 4-5 proceed to describe the relentless attack of the enemy. They would strike Jerusalem by day and night. There would not be a moment when the enemy would desist from their assaults. Not even wanting to wait for daylight to appear, the enemy would strike Jerusalem by night and destroy her palaces.  

 

God’s patience should not be taken as an invitation to test His endurance. In these verses, we return to the lesson of Galatians 6:7 where Paul warns us saying “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” Whatever we do there will always be an outcome. When we like the people of Judah persist in disobedience, we will be dealt with. Do not test the patience of God!